Sustainable workspaces bring the future into view

For business owners, on the other hand, this push towards green might be more of a cumbersome responsibility on their part. One that places the onus on them to deliver, whether they particularly want to or not, or whether they can afford to or not. Whichever, it’s a win-win situation. Workers will get the greener, cleaner, healthier workspaces they want and deserve. Employers will benefit from the increased productivity they can expect from those encased in their improved workspaces.

Many business owners are already tweaking positive changes in the right direction. Post-pandemic, perhaps because they have become increasingly mindful of viral spread, many have already provided additional hands-free equipment and hand sanitisers for staff. Other endeavours include making office deep cleaning a more regular occurrence, with after-hours steam cleaning and UV disinfection practices becoming increasingly commonplace.

While designing with sustainability in mind was once merely wise, now it’s crucial. Smart lighting makes sense as a sustainability strategy. So does embracing bibliophilia as an integral part of office design. This is something from which every workplace can benefit, given that indoor plants are known to increase worker wellbeing and mental health, with some being hailed as natural air purifiers that filter out pollutants while they grow.

Discussing the legislation that’s most pertinent in this area, a spokesperson at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment points to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and says: “They address the physical environment at the place of work and set out the welfare facilities which should be provided as standard facilities for premises used as a workplace.

“The employer must ensure that the physical environment of the place of work is adequate,” he says, and “work areas should be large enough to be safe, healthy and adequate with regard to stability, ventilation, fresh air, temperature and lighting.” 

On the topic of chemicals, he says: “Continuing revisions of EU legislation in this area will work to ensure that any chemicals used in the workplace will be safer for both humans and the environment, and will include improved safety labelling.”

 The HSA Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is something with which every business should be familiar. In discussing its importance, HSA senior inspector, Darren Arkins, says: “The Health and Safety Authority encourages employers to consult this Code to assist them in evaluating and managing indoor air quality in their workplace.” 

Stating that it can also be used alongside other sector-specific advice to ensure the adoption of best practices for IAQ, he adds: “By adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Code, workplaces can create safer and healthier environments, with additional benefits around improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced overall employee satisfaction.”

Referencing the significance to all businesses of that same Code of Practice, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s spokesperson says: “It sets out the optimum standards for indoor air quality, along with detailed practical guidance for employers and employees, which is relevant to all employers and to all places of work.” 

This Code of Practice came into operation on 23 May this year. To say its scope is wide would be an understatement. It specifically stipulates that it is relevant to all places of work. For this reason it’s good that it’s an interesting and informative read.

It is something that should be consulted in the planning and design of new work environments and in the refurbishment or upgrading of those already in existence.

Given its importance, it’s good to know that while reading it you’ll find that it's filled with interesting facts. Take fans for example. We all know that fans are not ventilation systems. Some may know that fresh air supply should be provided while using one. But I’d say not too many of us know that in the workplace, fans should ideally only be used where there is a single occupant in a room.

That way, if you walk into your office and find someone in there using a fan, then it's between the fan and the pair of you, and one of you has to go.

The Code is also a thought-provoking document. Nobody reading it will be surprised to learn that air quality within indoor work environments has a direct impact on the health, well-being and productivity of workers. But most of us probably couldn’t list all of the contributing factors to poor indoor air quality.

According to the Code, they are: Poor external air quality. Inadequate or poor ventilation. Also, exposure to a range of chemicals, biological agents and other contaminants in the workplace air.

While pondering what the latter might refer to, we might during downtime, surmise that Al in Account’s fragrance of choice may be an air-contaminating factor. Or Sam’s less-than-scrupulous socks, about twenty seconds after they remove their shoes.

We might, but the truth could just as easily be lurking underfoot. Deep in the fibres of that nasty nylon office carpet. The one that delivers static shocks to unsuspecting workers at irregular intervals throughout the working day.

While it’s likely that the offices of the future will be nylon carpet-free, we can probably presume that they will be pretty low on paper. At Tony O’Donovan Office Interiors, Mark O’Donovan says they are already seeing the offices of today having less paper. 

“This is due to everything being online and in cloud storage,” he says. “This results in less space being required for storage and bulky furniture being removed as a result, leaving the offices cleaner and more spacious.” 

 We like to imagine that in offices of the future, cleanliness will be high priority. But we are not there yet. In Mark’s experience, cleanliness is currently not a major aspect of the brief O’Donovan Office Interiors tends to receive, from clients looking for design and fitout of offices.

“What they are looking for,” he says, “is the provision of an environment that is comfortable and flexible, providing not only workstations but places for quiet space and a good breakout area.” 

 Over at Hunt Office Interiors, Martin Johnston is seeing a ‘significant shift in workplace design,’ one that ‘encompass the holistic well-being of employees within thoughtfully designed workspaces.’ 

 “Employers are now prioritising sustainable and employee-friendly environments beyond just eco-friendly supplies,” says the interiors director. “This includes recycling stations, ergonomic furniture, and eco-friendly workspaces.

As for what’s happening at Glandore, managing director Michael Kelly says: “Here at Glandore, we are committed to implementing positive change in the communities where we live, work, and do business.

“It's one of the many reasons why we embrace the opportunity and responsibility to increase green initiatives within our business.” 

Providing an example of Glandore’s ‘unwavering commitment’ to do just that, he points to their partnership with a ‘distinguished’, Dublin-based cleaning maintenance contractor. 

“By using low-chemical products on a daily basis, we're able to greatly reduce negative environmental impact and promote a healthier and greener environment,” he says. “As a company dedicated to operating within the ESG framework and as fervent advocates for eco-friendly endeavours, we proudly join forces to champion a sustainable future.” 

Disclosing then, that Glandore is confident that their buildings shine not only with cleanliness but also as beacons of environmental responsibility in Dublin, Kelly continues: “From our daily use of low-chemical products that leave no ecological footprint, to our innovative, eco-conscious facility management practices, we are not only transforming our own workplace but also contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrow for all.”